Write the electron configuration for a neutral atom of tin
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Electron Configuration of a Neutral Tin Atom
The atomic number of tin (Sn) is 50, meaning a neutral tin atom has 50 electrons. The electron configuration follows the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle to fill orbitals in increasing energy levels.
The correct electron configuration for tin is:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p²
Alternatively, using the noble gas shorthand notation, we use krypton (Kr, Z=36) as the core:
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p²
Explanation
- Understanding Electron Configuration Rules
- Electrons fill orbitals from lower to higher energy levels (Aufbau principle).
- Each orbital holds two electrons with opposite spins (Pauli exclusion principle).
- Orbitals of equal energy fill singly first, then pair up (Hund’s rule).
- Breaking Down Tin’s Configuration
- First shell (n=1): 1s² → 2 electrons
- Second shell (n=2): 2s² 2p⁶ → 8 electrons
- Third shell (n=3): 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ → 18 electrons
- Fourth shell (n=4): 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ → 18 electrons
- Fifth shell (n=5): 5s² 5p² → 4 electrons
- Why Tin Has 5s² 5p² in the Outer Shell
- Tin is in Group 14 of the periodic table, meaning it has 4 valence electrons in the outermost shell (5s² 5p²).
- These valence electrons determine tin’s chemical reactivity.
Now, I’ll generate an image representing the electron configuration.
Here is a visual representation of the electron configuration of tin (Sn). The bar chart shows how electrons are distributed across different atomic orbitals, highlighting the filling order of the shells. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!